TWO men mugged a new dad of £60 he had drawn out of a cash machine to spend on nappies, milk and a birth certificate.

The pair, believed to be aged in their forties, targeted the 18-year-old at the Laindon Shopping Centre, off High Road, Laindon.

He spotted them lying on the ground asking for help, claiming they had been attacked.

The teenager carried on walking, fearing for his safety.

The men them jumped up from the ground and shouted out that they were going to mug the teenager. They grabbed him and snatched the wad of cash he had just withdrawn from his hand.

They then fled the scene.

The incident took place at about 7pm on Friday.

A relative of the victim, who did not want to be identified, posted a warning on Facebook. She also urged the robbers to hand back the cash, which was needed to buy food and clothes for the newborn baby boy.

She said: “My cousin got mugged by two men in their forties.

“He had just been to the cash machine in the Laindon Centre, and left the machine with his £60.

“He was going to buy wipes, nappies, formula milk and the rest was for a full birth certificate.

“The two men grappled him and took all his money just round the back of the shops.

“He went and told a lady in the sweet shop nearby.

“Luckily he wasn’t hurt, but he has a one-week old baby and that money was for nappies so I hope you feel proud of yourselves. You’ve stolen food from a one-week-old baby. Do the right thing and hand it in to Basildon police, just say you found it. Think of the baby please.”

Generous members of the public saw the post and have since donated items for the newborn.

The cousin wrote: “I’m overwhelmed by your kindness - it’s lovely to see there are still some genuinely nice people out there in this cruel world.

“Thank you again for your support.

“My cousin is young and embarrassed by what has happened to him, he feels like he’s let his girlfriend and son down by letting himself get mugged.

“We have all told him not to feel that way.

“He and his girlfriend are over the moon with the bits and very grateful.”

Essex Police confirmed officers are investigating the incident, which happened just days after a 19-year-old girl was robbed in Basildon town centre.

The teenager was walking outside Primark, in Town Square, when the thug hit her and snatched the pink purse from under her arm in broad daylight. Inside the purse was just £25 and the victim’s provisional driving licence.

The robber was described as a white man dressed in silver or grey jogging bottoms and a green jacket with a hood. He made off in the direction of Iceland.

So far, no arrests have been made in either case.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101, or crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Alternatively, visit crimestoppers-uk.org and fill out an online form.